Falcon release project to start

Zoo News - Posted 26 November 2015

What’s faster than a V8 Supercar and rarer than Kiwi? The spectacular yet threatened ‘Karearea’ New Zealand falcon!

Karearea – Falco novaseelandiae – is a raptor or bird of prey classified as Nationally Vulnerable by the Department of Conservation. With a decreasing population, this iconic native species needs our help.

WILD RELEASE PROJECT

Beginning this summer, HAMILTON ZOO and WINGSPAN BIRDS OF PREY TRUST will release up to 6 falcon chicks per year using the hack box technique.The release site is a private rural property bordering the Hakarimata Scenic Reserve. It will be the northernmost release site for karearea to date, and aims to assist the wild falcon population to regain a foothold in its historic range.